Sandy Bay Holiday Park

Sandy Bay Holiday Park sits right on Geographe Bay in Broadwater, between Busselton and Dunsborough, and it takes dogs seriously as a category of guest rather than an afterthought. Dogs are welcome on powered caravan and camp sites and in a set of designated pet-friendly chalets, with a pet-friendly beach directly outside the park gate.

The pet policy. You have to flag your dog at the time of booking and get management approval before you arrive; calling ahead (08 9752 2003) is the recommended way to lock in a pet-friendly site or chalet. A pet fee of around $25 applies per booking, and it is one pet per booking, no exceptions. Pets are not allowed during peak season, Easter, long weekends or school holidays, so this is a shoulder-season and midweek proposition.

Where dogs can and can't go. Inside the chalets, dogs are kept off the sofas, beds and carpeted areas. Around the park, dogs are excluded from the amenity blocks, BBQ areas and the children's playground, and need to be on a lead at all times while on park grounds. Water bowls are set up near the office and amenities, but bring your own bed, bowls and anything else your dog needs for the stay.

The place. A mix of shady and sunny powered sites, caravans up to 22ft/6.7m, and rammed-earth chalets with wood fires make this a genuine holiday base rather than a stopover. The camp kitchen and beach access are the standouts guests mention most.

Location and nearby. The beach right outside the park has a large stretch that works well for dog walks, and it is an easy drive into Busselton or the Margaret River wine region from here. For a coffee or feed with the dog, guests have pointed to Tonic by the Bay for its beer garden and beach vibe, The Goose on the Busselton foreshore for terrace dining looking over the jetty, and Hippo Lakes for a café-and-farm-shop stop with veranda seating.

Who it suits. Owners after a relaxed beachside base outside peak periods, especially caravan and camping travellers. Families chasing a school-holiday date with the dog in tow will need a different plan, since that is exactly when pets are excluded.

Before you book. Confirm current pet-exclusion dates directly with the park, since school holiday and long weekend blackouts shift year to year, and check whether a chalet or a powered site is actually being held for your dog before you pay a deposit.

Sources

• Holidays With Pooch - Sandy Bay Holiday Park · sandybayholidaypark.com.au
• Caravanning & Camping - Sandy Bay Holiday Park · sandybayholidaypark.com.au
• Pet Policy - Sandy Bay Holiday Park · sandybayholidaypark.com.au
• Sandy Bay Holiday Park - The Margaret River Region · margaretriver.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.